Category: Central Asia
If Kazakhstan was Central Asia for beginners, Kyrgyzstan threw me in at the deep end. A week of tree-lined boulevards and cafes in Almaty, then straight into the chaos of Bishkek and riding with my new cycling tribe.
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Rock the Kazakh Bar!
Having now moved on from Almaty to Kyrgyzstan I realise my week spent in Kazakhstan was definitely Central Asia for beginners. Wide tree lined boulevards with a strong cafe culture, where English was if not widely spoken, manageable to be understood. The change I experienced after only a short 30…
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Part One – Pre Tour Chaos in Kyrgyzstan
If Kazakhstan was Central Asia for beginners, Kyrgyzstan felt like it plunged me deep into chaos from the moment I stepped onto the near-melting runway. With the flight from Almaty to Bishkek only 30 minutes, I naively expected more of the easy travel I’d enjoyed the preceding week. Instead, right…
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Part 2 – Kyrgyzstan Chaos Continues
At last, it was time. Time to meet my new cycling tribe and get the adventure I’d been waiting for underway. When joining any group tour, there’s always a rider meeting, that first gathering where everyone sizes each other up, secretly wondering who they’ll ride with the most, laugh with…